The divine presence of God offers the ultimate refuge and gives true solace
I would like to draw attention to where our thoughts normally go to, what we consider is our shelter and what it should ideally be.Where do our minds routinely take us to? The body has to be the first, because of the mind-body connection. We all know that our minds affect our bodies, and our bodies do likewise. For example, there is a fever. The mind will naturally go to it and think about dealing with it. Similarly, if one is feeling depressed, bodily changes will take place like becoming fearful. (The Bhagavad-Geeta 2.1) The next target is sense enjoyment; our senses are forever seeking their sense of objects. Mind is their leader. (15.7) Our so-called intelligence is no friend; it will justify whatever the uncontrolled mind cooks up.
Emotions are not far behind. All of us have some pronounced weakness, be it lust, greed, anger, hate, etc. If not controlled our actions will be controlled by them. And there will be consequences. The ego cannot be left behind for long. I am superior and I will prove it, though no one is big or ever can be; only God is big. The rest of us can excel in something but remain small eternally. One can become very rich, powerful, famous, etc. but will be helpless in other matters.The connected topic is what we consider our shelter to be. Is a home our shelter? In physical terms it is. A famous golfer was asked by a reporter after a famous win achieved after a great deal of physical exertion, “What will you like to do now the most?” He replied, “I will like to sleep long in my own bed in my home.” Some world leaders carry their own beds with them when they travel. Their shelter is their beds. But are beds, homes, etc. our real shelters? The wife of a world leader replied, “I get very depressed sometimes.” Shelter is mainly a mental issue.
Shelter of a home does not prevent mental illness. Many genuine ‘sannyasis’ (saintly persons) don’t have a fixed home; they keep on travelling. Yes, this is not for the majority, but the idea is proper shelter. God is the real shelter. A small soul needs a very strong shelter, a very big shelter, which only God can be.Loneliness is becoming a major issue worldwide, especially in Western countries. In the USA, twenty-nine per cent of households have single occupancy. Upwards of 40% of marriages end in divorce. And 25% plus people have some kind of mental problem. Why is it so? Because the real shelter is being ignored.
We are seeking shelter in material objects like money, power, fame, etc. When we take shelter from God, He teaches us the quality of love. We begin to accept people as they are because all of us have faults; only God is perfect. Seeking perfection in a human being is a lost cause. And we can easily get God’s company, as I have done. Just hang a large photo of God near your bed, and look at Him. Then, many changes will begin to happen.God is attractive beyond imagination. Unfortunately, we don’t exercise this option. Did you know that God’s name Krishna means one who attracts? Soon there will be attachment, because ‘atmabala’ (inner strength) will flow into you. This strength is the mother of all strengths, i.e. intellectual, mental, physical and even to tolerate.
As this is a spiritual practice, one will make spiritual progress. Slowly, we will begin to consider God as our own, which He is; God is waiting for us.If this practice is so great, what ‘naman’ (namaskar) can do? Lord Krishna has asked us to do just that in verse #18.65, “Offer obeisance to Me.” Our worst enemy in taking shelter from God – the ego will get gradually controlled. We will develop the quality of humility, which will also help in our dealings with others. God will bless us as we remain in His company. We can also pray to Him anytime because in a way God considers it appropriate. Grant of our specific prayers is a tough ask but over a period of time, we will get there.So where should we direct our attention? Whose shelter should we seek?
(The writer is a spiritual teacher; views are personal)
